Lagrangian of a disk with a hole on an inclined plane

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the moment of inertia and kinetic energy of a wheel consisting of a circular disk with a hole, rotating about an axle. The moment of inertia is calculated using the parallel axis theorem, yielding the expression 1/2*pi*rho*(R^4+R^2*r^2-r^4). The kinetic energy for the wheel rotating about the axle is determined to be half of this moment of inertia times the angular speed squared. The analysis also includes the wheel's behavior when rolling down an inclined plane, leading to the conclusion that the rotational kinetic energy is less than when rotating about the axle, specifically when R > sqrt(2)r.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the parallel axis theorem
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and moment of inertia
  • Knowledge of Lagrangian mechanics and the Euler-Lagrange equation
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Euler-Lagrange equation in detail
  • Explore applications of the parallel axis theorem in complex systems
  • Learn about the dynamics of rolling motion and its energy considerations
  • Investigate the effects of varying angular velocity on kinetic energy
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on classical mechanics, rotational dynamics, and Lagrangian mechanics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the dynamics of composite bodies in motion.

Physgeek64
Messages
245
Reaction score
11

Homework Statement


A wheel consists of a circular uniform disk with a circular hole in it. The disc is
of radius R and mass per unit area ρ. The hole is of radius ro and an axle of radius ro
passes through it. The centre of the hole is offset radially from the centre of the disk by
ro. The wheel rotates without friction about the axle. Using the parallel axis theorem,
or otherwise, evaluate an expression for the moment of inertia of the wheel around the
axle. The angular speed of the wheel is ω, what is its kinetic energy?

The wheel is removed from the axle and rolls without slipping along a flat surface with the same angular speed. Show that its rotational kinetic energy is less than for the case of rotation about the axle

The wheel is placed on a surface sloping at an angle α where it rolls without slipping. It starts from rest with the centre of the hole directly above the centre of the disk. Neglecting the contribution of the hole to kinetic energy, use the Euler Lagrange method to find the equation of motion

Homework Equations


L=T-V
KE of rotation= 1/2*I*(ω)^2

(Most are below)

The Attempt at a Solution


So I think I've done the first two parts okay- I got the the moment of inertia for the first part to be 1/2*pi*rho*(R^4+R^2*r^2-r^4) and the KE to be half that times the ω^2

For the next part I for the KE to be 1/2*pi*rho*ω^2*(R^4-3r^4), and showed that the condition for the KE to be less is R>sqrt(2)r, which is obviously satisfied by the geometry of the system

For the last part, I am a bit confused because the centre of mass does not move with in a straight path, and is rotating

So I first found the location of the COM relative to the centre of the disc, and got this to be -r^3/(R^2-r^2)

So the rational KE of the COM is 1/2*((pi*rho)*(r^6)*ω^2)/((R^2-r^2) (sorry- I am still not sure how to use latex properly! I will be practicing, so please bare with me) Also- Here ω is varying- but I thought this would be neater to write than 'theta dot'

The rotational KE of the disc, ignoring the hole is

1/4*(pi*rho)*ω^2*R^4

But then I am not sure what the translational KE of the disc is since the COM is moving downwards and rotating, so its translational KE is modulating. I'm not sure if the question permits me to simply ignore the hole completely and simply use the rational KE of the disc as if it were solid, and the translational KE of the COM as if the disc were solid. If so then I think I can almost do this question.
And similarly, for the PE since the height is moving downwards, but periodically varying as it rotates I'm struggling to see how to formulate it

Edit:
So far for the potential energy I have

PE= -M*g*s*sin(alpha) - Mg*(centre off mass position)*sin(theta), where theta is the integral of ω and M=pi*rho*(R^2-r^2),
but I am not sure if this is correct?
Thanks in advance :)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Physgeek64 said:
So the rational KE of the COM is 1/2*((pi*rho)*(r^6)*ω^2)/((R^2-r^2)
I don't see how you got this (would it vanish for r->0?) and I also don't think it is necessary. It is easier to work in the frame of the geometric center of the disk.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K